From left to right CS Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Dr. Alfred Mutua with U.S. delegationThea Mei Lee during the signing of labour protection MoU
Kenya and the United States has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving the welfare of workers and reinforcing labour cooperation.
The agreement, which brings together expertise from both nations, was signed by Dr. Alfred Mutua, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, and Thea Mei Lee, Deputy Undersecretary for the U.S. Bureau of International Labour Affairs.
The signing ceremony, held in Nairobi, highlighted a shared commitment to uphold workers’ rights as a foundation for democratic societies and sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mutua emphasized Kenya’s commitment to adopting international best practices in labor management, noting the agreement’s focus on creating a safer, healthier working environment for all Kenyan workers. “Our intention with this agreement is to ensure that occupational health and safety become a top priority,” he stated.
The MoU covers a range of labor issues, including occupational safety, health standards, child labor and forced labor prevention, social protection frameworks, and systems for workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance.
These measures are intended to support Kenya’s broader goals of social protection and decent work, which Dr. Mutua said would ultimately empower workers and boost productivity.
The U.S. delegation, led by Thea Mei Lee, praised Kenya’s commitment to labor reform and emphasized the importance of fair labor practices in supporting democratic values. “Worker rights are foundational to a functioning democracy,” she noted, commending Kenya’s proactive approach in aligning with internationally recognized labor standards.
Also present at the signing was Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department of Labour, Shadrack Mwadime, who expressed optimism that the MoU would lead to meaningful changes in Kenya’s labor landscape. The agreement symbolizes a strengthened partnership between Kenya and the United States, with both countries pledging continued collaboration to uphold labor rights and foster inclusive economic development.